Animal shelter to celebrate 85 years with community event

Oct 2

Written By Staff

The Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) is inviting residents and families to celebrate 85 years of animal care and community service at its Anniversary Fall Celebration on Oct. 16 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at KCAS, located at 740 Fuller Ave. NE.

The event will feature seasonal treats, such as cider and donuts, as well as family-friendly activities and the debut of the shelter’s new mascot. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet and take photos with the mascot, participate in a variety of children’s games, and learn more about the shelter’s evolution over the past eight decades.

As part of the celebration, KCAS is inviting the public to help name the new mascot. Community members can submit name ideas online at kentcountymi.gov/1889. The top 10 names will be revealed on Oct. 7, with the winning name announced during the event on Oct. 16.

KCAS was officially established as a county department in 1940 when the City of Grand Rapids transferred shelter operations to Kent County. The first dedicated shelter facility was built in the 1950s and remained in operation until 2009, when the current 26,000-square-foot facility opened its doors.

Over the years, the shelter’s operations have undergone significant transformations, from introducing communal housing for cats and enrichment programs for dogs to adopting an “adopters welcome” approach that focuses on matching pets with the right families. Today, KCAS continues its mission of giving animals a second chance through compassionate and progressive care. To learn more, visit kentcountyanimalshelter.org.

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